Community Action House, Local Partners, WHTC
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WHTC: Hunger Awareness Weekend

Tune into last week's WHTC Talk of the Town episode where our very own Assistant Director of Food Access, Chara Bouma-Prediger, and Annual Funds Manager Shanna Van Kempen speak on all of the events taking place this weekend during Holland's Hunger Awareness, and how you can get involved!

National Volunteer Month 2026

April is National Volunteer Month! 

Every day, our programs are powered by the dedication and generosity of incredible volunteers. As a community-funded, volunteer-powered nonprofit, we are what our community chooses to do together. We’re so grateful to all the volunteers across our programs who choose to dedicate their time and talent to building a stronger, healthier community!

Volunteer compassion makes it possible for neighbors to receive the healthy food, resource connection, and financial empowerment they need to thrive. Thank you for helping us nourish, equip, and empower our neighbors!

*One hour is independently estimated at a value of $34.79.

Interested in turning your Compassion into Action?

Our programs are growing, and we need more volunteers to show up for our neighbors!

Volunteer With Us!

Hear directly from our volunteers, watch our 2025 volunteer video below!

Meet some of the volunteers who turned compassion into action this year!

Meet Lisa! 

Everyone say hi to Lisa—one of our incredible Resale Store volunteers! After retiring, Lisa was looking for a way to give back and found Community Action House. She explored a few volunteer roles, but the moment she stepped into the Resale Store, she knew she had found her place.

Now a regular stocker, Lisa is so grateful for the community she has built with staff and fellow volunteers! She also interacts with guests regularly, giving her a firsthand look at the impact volunteering makes for our neighbors.

If you are interested in volunteering Lisa says, “Try out the different areas and see what is best for you!” Outside of volunteering, you can find Lisa gardening, spending time with friends, and learning how to watercolor paint! Thank you, Lisa, for bringing your heart and your helping hands to Community Action House. We’re so grateful for you!

Meet Thou!

Thou has volunteered with Community Action House since Food Club opened in 2021. After retiring, she was looking for a way to help the community that had supported her so well, and decided to become a volunteer! Thou does a little bit of everything at Action House—from stocking the shelves in Food Club, to gleaning with Lakeshore Food Rescue, to serving at the Community Kitchen! 


Not only is she involved with our programs, but she also volunteers with our partners at I AM Academy twice a week for their Mobile Food Pantry! At the end of the day, Thou loves to volunteer because she loves to help those who need a helping hand. She is grateful to be a part of Action House and values playing a part to help our community. Thank you, Thou, for the many ways you show up for our team and our guests!

Meet Mike! 

After spending years working in the nonprofit world, Mike knows just how important volunteers are for keeping things running! So when he retired, he decided to become one himself! Now, Mike regularly volunteers with our Logistics Team, driving out to Hudsonville and Jenison to pick up some of our larger food rescues.

Even with his background, volunteering opened Mike’s eyes to just how much need in our community has grown. And with those growing needs comes an even greater demand for volunteers to help sustain the vital services that organizations like Action House provide.

As an Action House volunteer, Mike has found a new sense of community. He values the camaraderie shared between staff and volunteers, and has formed friendships that he knows will last. Thank you, Mike, for your dedication, generosity, and being part of our community here at Action House!

Meet Jacqueline! 

Jacqueline’s journey with us began when she became a Food Club member after moving to Holland with her family. During one of her shopping trips, she noticed we were looking for volunteers—and didn’t hesitate to sign up! Since then, Jacqueline has become a vital part of our team, serving as a volunteer cashier and lending her talents to events like CommunityFest this past fall.

One moment that stands out to Jacqueline is when she was helping a member at checkout. She explained how the Food Club’s point system works, and the guest was thrilled to discover how much more accessible fresh fruits and vegetables are here compared to a traditional grocery store.

For Jacqueline, volunteering is about more than just giving her time. “I always come back to volunteer because I feel the need to give back to the community, to help others, and I always feel welcome and appreciated,” she shares. We are so grateful for Jacqueline’s dedication to our mission and her generosity of spirit. Thank you, Jacqueline, for everything you do to nourish, equip, and empower our neighbors!

Meet John!

Meet John, a dedicated member of our Community Kitchen crew! John first connected with Community Action House through HASP (Holland Area Senior Professionals) after hearing a presentation about our work. Inspired by our mission to build a stronger, healthier community, he began volunteering at our 14th Street food pantry. Once Food Club opened, he made the switch to Community Kitchen, drawn by both the convenience and the opportunity to serve delicious meals with a welcoming smile.

Now, John and his wife volunteer every Wednesday. Serving meals each week, John has gotten to know many of our guests, and sees firsthand the positive impact it makes when guests begin working alongside our Outreach team.  Many of our guests want to become volunteers themselves to lend a helping hand!

John continues to show up because of the relationships he has built with not only the staff, but the guests as well. He feels truly appreciated! Thank you John, for making the Kitchen a place where guests find not just a meal, but a sense of belonging!

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March eNews

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Program Updates

Financial Wellness

Earlier this year, our Financial Wellness team spent the day at Bridget’s House, an organization in Allendale that supports women and children experiencing housing instability. This visit marked the beginning of a collaborative effort to provide tailored, one-on-one financial guidance to each family living there. From reviewing credit reports to developing custom debt repayment plans, we worked side-by-side with residents to lay the groundwork for long-term financial progress.

When Sharon* sat down with our team, we uncovered a tax issue that was preventing her from receiving critical tax credits. We connected her with our Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program, where she got the support she needed to identify the issue, gather documents, and complete the paperwork needed. With these steps taken, Sharon will soon have access to tax credits again—giving her the financial cushion she needs to catch her breath and begin taking steps toward a stronger financial future.

Going forward, our Financial Wellness team will be a continued resource for residents and a welcoming partner for new guests at Bridget’s House. We’re so grateful to collaborate with partners like Bridget’s House to ensure all our neighbors have access to the tools and support needed to build a stronger financial future! 

*Name and photo changed for privacy

Food Club

This International Women’s Month, we’re proud to celebrate the strength and resilience of women and families in our community! Thanks to the national nonprofit PERIOD., our Food Club was recently stocked with free menstrual care kits. Their volunteers helped pack and donate hundreds of kits, helping to meet a critical but often overlooked need. Period products can be expensive, and when families have to choose between groceries and personal care, groceries often take priority. These kits will help provide more neighbors with the dignified access to essentials they need to thrive! 

When our neighbors have what they need to feel confident and cared for they’re better equipped to focus on building a brighter future. Throughout March, we’re collecting personal care items to help ensure all of our neighbors have the essentials they need. Drop off donations at Food Club or our Resale Store and be part of building a stronger, healthier community! 

Outreach & Housing Access

When our Outreach team first met Don at Refresh, he was living outdoors, facing what felt like an impossible list of barriers. At Refresh, he began working one-on-one with our team to secure steady income, gather the documents needed to pursue housing, and connect with our partners at Community Mental Health. Through that partnership, Don qualified for a permanent supportive housing voucher! This type of voucher helps neighbors who need additional support maintain stable housing. Participants contribute a portion of their income toward rent, and the voucher covers the remaining cost. Don also worked with our VITA team to file his taxes—one more step in strengthening the financial foundation that would support his move into housing.

After working through applications with our team, Don was approved for housing with his voucher! In October our team helped furnish his new home with items from our Resale Store and connected him to Food Club so he could access the fresh, healthy food he needs to thrive. Today, Don still visits Refresh from time to time. What was once a place of urgent need is now simply part of his community where he finds familiar faces and steady encouragement. With a safe home and support network, Don has rediscovered his love for hiking and biking, knowing he’ll always have a safe, warm place to return to at the end of the day.

Lakeshore Food Rescue

Last month Krista Burgett, Senior Manager of Food Partnerships, shared her expertise at the GVSU Food Connections Summit! This summit brings together local farmers, businesses, students, and organizations to strengthen partnerships and explore solutions for a more sustainable food economy. During her presentation, Krista explained how redirecting surplus food keeps good food out of landfills, reduces harmful environmental impact, and strengthens regional collaboration to turn excess food into food access. We’re so grateful for opportunities to lead in conversations like these and to champion solutions that nourish our neighbors and protect our planet. 

With Global Recycling Day coming up on March 18, we’re reminded that recycling goes beyond paper and plastic. Food can (and should!) be recycled too. Through Lakeshore Food Rescue, surplus food that would otherwise go to waste is redirected to neighbors who need it most. In 2025 alone, our Lakeshore Food Rescue program rescued more than 3.1 million pounds of food!

Community Kitchen

Last month, we gathered to celebrate the Community Kitchen’s final day of service at Western Theological Seminary. Guests, volunteers, and staff were welcomed with a celebratory buffet featuring grilled steak, roasted veggies, strawberry french toast, and more. The room was filled with laughter and stories as neighbors reflected on the friendships formed and hope restored around those tables!

Looking ahead, we’re excited for the Community Kitchen’s next chapter—one rooted in collaboration, and the hope of providing more integrated support for our neighbors. The Community Kitchen is now serving meals at First United Methodist Church and will move again this spring to a newly renovated space at the Salvation Army. We’re deeply grateful for the decades of partnership with Western Theological Seminary and for the many community partners including FUMC, the Salvation Army, and so many others who walk alongside us in building a place of hospitality and care for our neighbors.

Resale Store

Construction is moving along at our second Resale Store on the Northside, on track to open in April! Built from neighbors, for neighbors, every donation, sale, and volunteer shift at our Resale Stores fuels programs that build a stronger, healthier community.

Ready to kick off your spring cleaning? Donate to Resale! Clear out those closets, gather gently used items, and bring them our way, or host a Resale donation drive!

Resale donations also equip neighbors like Allison with the essentials needed to build a brighter future: earlier this year, a sudden crisis left Allison* without a safe, stable place to call home. As a Food Club member, she knew she could turn to our team for support. Together, we gathered essential documents, navigated job applications, and our team provided a Resale Store voucher to ensure she had clothing for interviews. Soon after, Allison shared excitedly with our team that she had found a job! 

Still, stable housing remained out of reach. When a housing application was denied due to an old utility bill, our team helped Allison appeal the decision—submitting proof of payment and letters of recommendation to strengthen her case. With that added support, her application was approved, and Allison moved into a safe, stable home! Today, Allison continues to access fresh, healthy food through Food Club and is working with our Financial Wellness team to build a budget and strengthen her savings. 

*Name changed for privacy

Program Highlight

Healthy@Home and Financial Wellness Collab!

Last month, we welcomed 9 neighbors for a Healthy@Home class in collaboration with our Financial Wellness team! At Action House, we know that healthy eating doesn’t happen in isolation. It’s connected to financial stability, access to resources, and the confidence to plan ahead. When neighbors have the tools to manage both their food and their finances, they’re better equipped to build lasting stability.

During the class, guests learned practical strategies for planning weekly menus, building cost-effective grocery lists, and reducing food waste while preparing and tasting a homemade pasta sauce recipe. By combining nutrition education with financial tools, neighbors left equipped with simple, actionable steps to support both their health and their household budgets.

March is National Nutrition Month! It's a great reminder that nourishing your body with healthy food and staying active can boost your energy, support your health, and help you feel your best. Even small changes can make a big difference! Looking for a fun way to celebrate? Join us for a Healthy@Home class this month! 

Save the Date

The Golf Classic is Back!

Register here for Action House's 23rd annual Golf Classic, presented by Bradford! Get together a group of four friends or colleagues and enjoy a great day of golf and new connections while supporting Action House programs. 

Thursday, June 11, 2026

The Ravines Golf Club | 3520 Palmer Dr, Saugatuck, MI 49453

AM Session: 8 AM - 1PM | PM Session: 1:30 PM - 6:30 PM

Noble Twist’s Give Back Tap is on March 18!

On Wednesday, March 18, Noble Twist Taphouse is hosting a Give Back Tap to support Community Action House. Stop by from 4-9pm to support Action House programs that nourish, equip, and empower our neighbors!

Enjoy Songs of the ‘70s While Supporting Action House!

Join Holland Christian’s Living Hope Singers on March 13 and 14 at 7:00pm and celebrate the iconic songs of the ’70s through their Vintage Vibes Showcase! $1 of every ticket sold will support Action House programs that build a stronger, healthier community. 

In Case You Missed It

One Year of Partnership with Herrick Library North!

February marks the one year anniversary of our partnership with Herrick Library North!

FOX 17: Action House's Resale Store Opens This Spring!

Action House's second Resale Store on the northside of Holland is on track to open this spring!

Learn More
Read More
 

WHTC's Talk of the Town with Gary Stevens

Last month, two members of our Development team joined WHTC to share ways to get involved with Action House.

Tune In!

Sponsor a Community Action House Event

Sponsor an event like the Golf Classic, VolBASH, or CommunityFest to build a stronger, healthier community!

Learn more

Join The Movement

Donate Monthly

Provide a stable foundation for our service each month.

Volunteer

Volunteer time and talent powers our programs.

Donate to Resale

Donate gently used items to the Resale Store and get $5 off your next purchase.

The Holland Sentinel: Community Kitchen moves from Western Theological Seminary

In February, our friends at the Holland Sentinel shared a piece with an update about our Community Kitchen.

We’re optimistic and excited for the Community Kitchen’s next chapter—one rooted in collaboration, and the hope of providing even greater support for our neighbors. Learn more about the Community Kitchen’s next chapter and read their full article here.

An Update on the Community Kitchen: Our new home, and a strong next chapter.

Dear friends,

For more than 32 years, the Community Kitchen has been a community pillar. Co-founded by Action House and Western Theological Seminary, and powered by hundreds of volunteers, the Community Kitchen provides healthy meals, a welcoming space, and connections that help our neighbors move forward.

Last year, we shared that we had begun seeking a new home for a second chapter of the Community Kitchen. We’re excited to announce that the Salvation Army will be our new host for the program! Over the past year, we’ve worked alongside local partners to prepare for a strong next chapter of service:

  • Through community wide planning efforts, a key takeaway was the urgent need for an integrated service hub—where guests can access many different services in one location.

  • As part of this effort, the Salvation Army will become the new host of the Community Kitchen, using their commercial kitchen, dining room, and other spaces, and with future dreams to bring other partners onsite to serve our neighbors even better.

  • The Salvation Army has already contracted with Midwest Construction to enhance their space for this level of service. These extensive renovations are slated to begin in the next few weeks, with a quick construction timeline set to complete this April. As soon as this space is ready, we’re excited to open the doors for this next chapter of Community Kitchen service in our new permanent home at the Salvation Army!

  • As we prepare for our permanent move, the Community Kitchen will temporarily serve at First United Methodist Church (FUMC). As close partners through the Refresh program, FUMC is a familiar space, and a trusted partner, for both our team and many of our guests. We’re grateful for their generosity.

We’re optimistic and excited for the Community Kitchen’s next chapter—one rooted in collaboration, and the hope of providing even greater support for our neighbors. We’re grateful for the decades of shared service that the Seminary has undertaken with us and our community. We’re incredibly thankful to be in a community with so many partners, like Western Theological Seminary, First United Methodist, the Salvation Army, and so many others, who work alongside us. 

Through this season of change, we know that the heart of the Community Kitchen isn’t tied to one building—it’s a reflection of our community’s warmth, hospitality, consistency, and care for our neighbors.

The Community Kitchen has an incredible network of support that believes in this work. In whichever way you may have supported our work over the years—as a volunteer, donor, or advocate—thank you for being a part of our legacy of compassionate, welcoming, and impactful services, and for standing with us as we move into what’s next. You are an essential part of the coming chapter of our work and impact. 

Gratefully,

Scott Rumpsa | CEO

P.S. If you’re looking for ways to show up for our team and our neighbors through this transition, we welcome your continued support through volunteerism, food donations, and financial support! Your generosity helps sustain our service as we explore what’s next.

Celebrating One Year of Partnership with Herrick Library North!

One year ago this month, we began our partnership with Herrick Library North! Every Friday from 9am to 1pm, our team is onsite to connect with visitors, identify barriers, and connect them to tools and resources in our community.

Over the past year, our team met with 24 guests, offering a range of support through our Resource Navigation services—providing school related resources, support enrolling in benefits, help with housing searches, connections to utility and rental assistance, and more.

Having a consistent location on the northside has made it easier for neighbors with transportation barriers to meet with our team. We’re able to offer bilingual service, making it possible for more families to find the resources they need for stability.

We’re so grateful for our partners at Herrick District Library, and their commitment to collaboration! They continue to explore new ways to provide the best support for our community. Read more in the Holland Sentinel about all of the resources HDL offers, including their partnership with our team:
https://www.hollandsentinel.com/story/news/local/2026/02/06/heres-everything-you-can-do-with-a-card-at-herrick-district-library/88404803007

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February eNews

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Program Updates

Community Kitchen

Valdemar first connected with our team in 2023 while navigating the challenges of homelessness. Despite not having a stable place to call home, Valdemar remained deeply connected to his faith community—regularly playing in his church band and finding meaning and support among friends there. Our team helped him apply for housing, but due to his limited income, he was denied. 

Valdemar regularly visited the Community Kitchen, where he found both nourishment and encouragement as he worked toward finding housing. When housing vouchers became available last year, our team helped him apply. But with only 14 vouchers being offered, and far more neighbors than that needing one to qualify for housing, the chances of receiving one were slim. 

A few weeks after applying, Valdemar came to the Community Kitchen with a voicemail, and listening to it alongside our team, learned that he had received the voucher! With a voucher in hand, Valdemar was approved for an apartment and moved in earlier this year! On move-in day, our Logistics team delivered furniture, dishes, and other essentials from our Resale Store, transforming Valdemar’s new space into a home and a foundation for future progress. 

After moving into his new home, Valdemar shared how grateful he feels to finally have a stable place to call home. With this peace of mind, he’s able to focus on what brings him joy: playing music and connecting with community through his church.

Food Club

When Gretel* found a new job in 2024, she was proud to be working again—but it also meant she no longer qualified for other food support options. Still managing a tight budget and committed to keeping her family healthy, she was relieved to learn about Food Club. 

Because Gretel and her daughter are both managing diabetes, food choices matter deeply for them. At Food Club, they find the fresh, healthy options they need to thrive! With dignity and flexibility, they’re able to choose the foods at Food Club that support their specific needs. 

Reflecting on her experience as a Food Club member, Gretel shared, “Food Club is a definite life saver! We’re able to have more options for healthier meals by being able to shop with Food Club.”

*Name and photo changed for privacy

Outreach & Housing Access

Last year, an unexpected crisis left Taylor* without a safe, stable place to call home. She never imagined she would experience homelessness, but one emergency was all it took to put stability out of reach. As a previous Food Club member, Taylor knew she could turn to our team for support.

When she reached out to us, Taylor had already begun taking bold steps toward stability. She was actively submitting housing applications, determined to move forward. But even with a steady job, the low rental vacancy rate in Ottawa County, coupled with rising costs made finding affordable housing incredibly challenging. Throughout her journey, our team walked alongside her, offering encouragement and guidance each step of the way.

After months of applying, Taylor was pulled off a housing waitlist and finally had a safe, stable place to call home! Since moving in, Taylor has become a Food Club member again, where she now has consistent access to the fresh, healthy food she needs to thrive. And she’s eager to begin partnering with our Financial Wellness team to create a budget, strengthen her savings, and plan confidently for the road ahead. With a safe place to call home and support systems in place, Taylor is moving forward with hope.

*Name and photo changed for privacy

Financial Wellness

In 2023, Ashley* came to Community Action House in the middle of a crisis. Facing homelessness and struggling to secure housing due to limited income, she turned to our Financial Wellness team for support. Through personalized, one-on-one partnership, Ashley was able to find safe, stable housing and begin taking steps toward a stronger financial future!

Since 2023, Ashley has continued to stay connected with our Financial Wellness team. Each year, she returns to update her lease paperwork, and this tax season, she plans to file through our free VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) program. Like many of our guests, Ashley’s experience shows that financial empowerment is rooted in relationships. When neighbors know they can return for support without barriers or judgment, they’re empowered to take the next step—whether that’s staying housed, building savings, or confidently planning for a stronger financial future.

*Name and photo changed for privacy

Lakeshore Food Rescue

Each year, a local egg farm takes action to turn excess food into food access! When they start a new flock, they’re left with thousands of smaller-sized eggs that don’t meet retail sizing standards. But instead of discarding them, they reach out to our Lakeshore Food Rescue team to get those eggs to our neighbors who need them most.

Over the winter, this egg farm donated over 250,000 eggs! Stepping in to coordinate, our Lakeshore Food Rescue team helped distribute this generous donation to our Food Club, Community Kitchen, and over a dozen community partners. As egg prices remain high and family budgets are stretched thin, this donation will ensure that thousands of families in our community have affordable access to eggs! 

We’re so grateful to this partner for their incredible donation, and for choosing to turn food that could have been wasted into nourishment and connection instead. Together, we’re building a stronger, healthier community!

Resale Store

Construction is officially underway on our second Resale Store on the northside of Holland, on track to open this spring! 

Our first Resale Store has proven what’s possible—transforming donated goods and volunteer energy into steady income that fuels food, housing connections, and stability for thousands of families each year. Now, we’re building on that success. Built from neighbors, for neighbors, every donation, sale, and volunteer shift helps ensure we can continue to nourish, equip, and empower our community for the long run.

This project is also about the impact that families can feel right away. It equips families like Rick* and Amelia’s* with the home essentials they need to build a brighter future: 

After losing their housing, Rick and Amelia connected with our Outreach Team, determined to find safe, stable housing for their family. With support from our team, they secured the documents needed to apply for housing, found employment, and began working alongside another local agency to secure a housing voucher. 

After months of housing applications and paperwork, their family was finally approved for an apartment with their voucher! On move in day, our Logistics team delivered furniture, dishes, and other essentials from our Resale Store—turning their new space into a safe home, and a foundation for their family to build further progress. 

*Names and photo changed for privacy

Program Highlight

Celebrating Seven Years of Refresh!

This month, we’re proud to celebrate the seventh anniversary of Refresh: Hygiene & Hope, our partnership program with First United Methodist Church. In 2019, FUMC made a bold commitment to hospitality by opening their doors to neighbors experiencing homelessness, offering essential services like showers, clothing, meals, and more.

We’re honored to support this effort by providing on-site, housing-focused case management for neighbors—showing how a warm welcome can open the door to deeper connection and lasting change. 

Through our community’s support, since opening, Refresh has been able to: 

  • Equip our neighbors with the tools and knowledge needed to build toward stability through 8,292 housing-focused case management meetings.

  • Build connection and community through 59,174 visits.

  • Provide 16,056 showers and 1,672 haircuts, helping neighbors maintain dignity and hope.

Behind each of these numbers are real people with real stories. Neighbors like Thomas and Maya, who connected with our team at Refresh and found the support they needed to build a brighter future. We’re so grateful to FUMC for leading this program, and for helping us build a community where none of our neighbors face challenges alone.

Save the Date

You Nominated Us for the 2025 Community Choice Awards! 

Because of your support, Community Action House has been nominated for the Best Nonprofit and Best Thrift Store in the 2025 Community Choice Awards. 

Between now and February 16, you can vote once per day to support Community Action House!

Vote for Community Action House Here!

Valentine's Day is Right Around the Corner!

At Community Action House, food is our love language. For neighbors like Lillian, a healthy meal is often the very first connection to a community that cares—and it’s a connection that lays the essential groundwork for housing stability, financial progress, and a stronger future.

Food brings us together, but your partnership is what moves us forward. We are stronger when we work together to ensure every neighbor has the foundation they need to thrive.

This Valentine’s Day, you can turn love into action, and have your support go twice as far. Thanks to a generous match from Koop & Burr Insurance Co., every dollar you give can be DOUBLED—up to $10,000!

Donate Today to Turn Love Into Action!

In Case You Missed It

Rapid Growth Media: Housing in Holland bridges faith, tribal communities, and accessibility

The Kollen Park Housing Development, created in collaboration with Action House, church land, and tribal partnership, is an example of how communities can address housing challenges together.

FOX 17: Community Action House's Second Resale Store Will Open This Spring!

Community Action House's second Resale Store on the northside of Holland is on track to open this spring! Neighbors can help them start off strong by donating items, hosting a donation drive, shopping, and volunteering. 

Learn More
Read More
 

WHTC's Talk of the Town with Gary Stevens

Community Action House CEO Scott Rumpsa joined to reflect on Action House’s impact in 2025 and share upcoming plans for the new year.

Tune In!

Sponsor a Community Action House Event

Sponsor a signature event like the Annual Golf Classic, VolBASH, the Farm-to-Food Club Dinner, or CommunityFest to build a stronger, healthier community!

Learn more

Join The Movement

Donate Monthly

Provide a stable foundation for our service each month.

Volunteer

Volunteer time and talent powers our programs.

Donate to Resale

Donate gently used items to the Resale Store and get $5 off your next purchase.

FOX 17: Holland nonprofit opens second resale store location to serve more neighbors

FOX 17: Holland nonprofit opens second resale store location to serve more neighbors

Community Action House's second Resale Store on the northside of Holland is on track to open this spring! As we approach our grand opening, you can help us start strong by:

  • Donating – Your gently used items get a second life—providing essentials for neighbors and generating the funding that keeps our programs strong.

  • Shopping – Every purchase stretches your dollar and fuels ours.

  • Volunteering – Share your time and skills to help keep our stores running strong. Sign up through our Resale North interest form to help us open the store then keep it running, and/or become a volunteer at our current Resale Store!

Watch the full segment on FOX 17 here.

Big News: Our Second Resale Store Will Open This Spring!

Dear friends,

We have big news to share: construction has begun on our second Resale Store on the northside of Holland, on track to open this spring!

Since 1969, Community Action House has been here to ensure that none of our neighbors face challenges alone. Our first Resale Store has proven what’s possible—transforming donated goods and volunteer energy into steady income that directly fuels food, housing connections, and stability for thousands of local families each year.

Now, as we prepare to open our northside Resale Store, we’re building on that success. In recent years, the need for our services has grown dramatically—and we’ve scaled to meet it. This expansion is about building the solid financial foundation that makes this level of service resilient. Every donation dropped off, every item sold, and every hour volunteered helps ensure that we can continue to nourish, equip, and empower our neighbors, for the long run.

And, this project is also about impact that families can feel right away. Via member discounts and our voucher programs, our Resale plays a tangible role in helping the families we serve move forward with dignity.

  • A child starting school with confidence in new clothes.

  • A parent stepping into a new job equipped with the clothing and essentials they need to succeed.

  • A family moving into housing with furniture and supplies to turn it into a home.

This is a big project, and one that’s only possible because of neighbors like you who continue to believe in our mission. Thanks to many generous donors, we’ve already received over $2.2M in commitments—nearly 75% of the way to the $3M we need to make this important effort a reality. Our capital campaign is ongoing - so if this is the type of project that excites you, we’d love to connect! Learn more here, and let us know if you’d like to meet to discuss this in more detail. It would be our pleasure to share more. 

As we approach our grand opening, you can help us start strong by:

  • Donating – Your gently used items get a second life—providing essentials for neighbors and generating the funding that keeps our programs strong.

  • Shopping – Every purchase stretches your dollar and fuels ours.

  • Volunteering – Share your time and skills to help keep our stores running strong. Sign up through our Resale North interest form to help us open the store then keep it running, and/or become a volunteer at our current Resale Store!

Over the past 50 years, Community Action House has become a trusted force for good in our community—not just through what we do, but how we do it. Together, we’ve built solutions that are collaborative, sustainable, and designed for long-term impact. This Resale Store expansion makes a difference for neighbors today, while building the financial resilience that ensures we can keep showing up for decades to come—and it’s only possible because of the steady generosity of our community. Thank you for showing up.

Together, we can lay an even stronger foundation for our shared work.

With gratitude,

Scott Rumpsa | CEO

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January eNews

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Dear friends,

As we enter a new year, we’re looking back on 2025 with nothing but gratitude for what our community chose to accomplish, together. In times of calm and crisis, we’re a community constant because people like you believe that none of our neighbors should face challenges alone. As volunteers, food drive partners, financial supporters, advocates, and champions of our work, you made it possible for our neighbors to find the support they needed to move forward in a year where many families in our community navigated uncertainty. 

We’re celebrating countless stories of hope, health, and growth—lives changed through the power of healthy food access, families building stability through financial empowerment, and so many instances of people in our community showing up for one another. Through your support, in 2025 we were able to:

  • Welcome and serve 3,913+ families at Food Club

  • Launch our Food Club Mobile Market to reach even more neighbors

  • Provide 68,954+ hot, healthy meals at the Community Kitchen

  • Help 157 formerly unhoused neighbors transition into safe, stable housing through our Outreach team’s partnership with First United Methodist Church, Good Samaritan, Gateway Mission, and many other peers and partners

  • Break ground on our affordable housing project with Dwelling Place

  • Redirect over 3.5 million pounds of food to help feed our neighbors through Lakeshore Food Rescue

  • Partner with 347 neighbors to sharpen skills through Financial Wellness programming

  • And so much more!

We invite you to celebrate with us, and take pride in the work that our community makes possible. When people turn to us, we are there—as an expression of our community’s compassion. Thanks to your support, we’re continuing to walk alongside our neighbors as they navigate through moments of uncertainty, then move forward with hope. As we step into 2026, we’re building on the momentum of the past year, working together as a community to ensure that no one in our community has to face challenges alone by:

  • Expanding our Resale Store operations to strengthen the financial foundation needed to sustain our growing impact;

  • Strengthening pathways to financial progress for guests through responsive programming that builds long-term success;

  • Working collaboratively with other agencies to address our community’s housing challenges;

  • Building on our partnerships in the healthcare sector to improve long-term health outcomes and empower individuals to lead healthier lives; and

  • Preparing our Community Kitchen for a strong next chapter of service.

Thank you for your continued belief and partnership in this work. We're glad you're here, grateful for your support, and excited to see what we can accomplish together in the years to come. 

Onward, 

Scott Rumpsa | CEO

Program Updates

Food Club

For most of her life, Susan* never imagined she’d need help putting food on the table. But after retiring, her fixed income was quickly outpaced by rising grocery prices, utility bills, and medical expenses. As her budget grew tighter, Susan faced difficult decisions—often sacrificing healthy food for other essentials.

Years spent working in a high-stress job had left Susan managing chronic health conditions, including high blood pressure and diabetes. But since becoming a Food Club member, access to fresh, healthy food that was once out of reach has made it easier for Susan to prioritize her well-being. Reflecting on her experience as a Food Club member, she shared, “Food Club allows me to choose what I need to improve my health.”

When healthy food is within reach, neighbors like Susan are empowered to build a stronger, healthier future. Through the support of our community, we’re grateful to walk alongside neighbors like Susan to ensure every neighbor has access to the healthy food they need to thrive! 

*Name and photo changed for privacy

Outreach & Housing Access

Last year, a sudden crisis left Ella* without a safe, stable place to call home. Living in her car and facing a complex web of housing system requirements, she turned to our team for support. We helped complete the paperwork to verify her homelessness—an essential first step before applying for housing programs. From there, we connected her with our partners at Good Samaritan to apply for a housing voucher.

A lifelong Holland resident, Ella was determined to stay in the community she loved. When she was approved for a housing voucher in early fall, she began the difficult search for an apartment. It was challenging to find housing she could afford with limited income and physical disabilities that prevented her from finding work, but Ella remained hopeful and persistent, finding and applying for apartments on her own in pursuit of the right fit.

In November, she moved into her apartment! On move-in day, our team provided items from our Resale Store to transform Ella’s new space into a foundation for future progress. Now thriving in her new home, Ella has become a Food Club member with access to fresh, healthy food, and is excited to partner with our Financial Wellness team to create a budget, strengthen her savings, and plan confidently for the road ahead.

*Name and photo changed for privacy

Community Kitchen

After a season of staying with family, Steve* found himself without a safe place to call home. Living outdoors and facing serious health challenges, he was connected to our team through our partners at Good Samaritan.

At the Community Kitchen, our team began meeting with Steve over shared meals and warm conversation. The welcoming space helped him open up about the health challenges he was facing—issues that had worsened while living outside. As trust grew, we worked together to navigate doctor’s appointments, treatment plans, and the confusing web of paperwork required to access healthcare and insurance. As his health began to improve, Steve’s hope for building a brighter future grew.

Over the summer, Steve finally felt like his health was stable enough that he could focus on the next step: finding housing. At the Community Kitchen, our team helped him submit applications and explore options. This fall, Steve returned with exciting news—he had found a room to rent with a local family!

While Steve remains on waitlists for long-term subsidized housing, having a roof over his head has brought stability and space to heal from the health challenges he faced while living outdoors. At the Community Kitchen, trust is built through shared meals and ongoing conversation. Steve’s connection with our team opened the door to deeper support, and we’re honored to walk alongside our neighbors as they take the next best step toward a stronger, healthier future.

*Name and photo changed for privacy

Financial Wellness

Earlier this year, Ramona* came to our Opportunity Hub feeling overwhelmed and confused. Two official-looking letters had arrived in the mail—one about her home insurance, the other from her mortgage company. Ramona feared they might be scams, but she also worried about what might happen if they were real and she ignored them.

Sitting down one-on-one with a member of our Financial Wellness team, Ramona had a trusted partner to help her make sense of the situation. Together, they reviewed both letters, spotting red flags like small grammar errors and suspicious addresses. With a bit of research and a few phone calls, they were able to confirm that one of the letters was a scam, and the other was real. With peace of mind and a clear plan, Ramona moved forward with confidence!

Financial processes can be complex and confusing, and none of our neighbors should have to navigate them alone. Whether it’s reviewing paperwork, building credit, saving for a home, or simply making a plan, our Financial Wellness team walks alongside neighbors like Ramona, equipping them with the tools and confidence needed to build a stronger financial future.

*Name and photo changed for privacy

Lakeshore Food Rescue

Did you know the Holland Farmers Market is open year-round? Even in December, as the market began to wind down each day, our Lakeshore Food Rescue volunteers stepped up to turn excess food into food access!

From hardy vegetables to crisp winter greens, our volunteers collect leftover produce that farmers and vendors set aside to donate. Instead of going to waste, this fresh food is redirected to our Food Club and Community Kitchen where it’s transformed into thousands of nourishing meals for neighbors across our community.

Gleaning is a win-win: it reduces food waste while increasing access to fresh, healthy food across our community. In 2025, over 31,430 pounds of fresh food were rescued from the Farmers Market thanks to the dedication of our volunteers!

In Case You Missed It

Rapid Growth Media: Housing in Holland bridges faith, tribal communities, and accessibility

The Kollen Park Housing Development, created through a collaboration involving Action House, church land, and tribal partnership, is a unique example of how communities can collaboratively address housing challenges.

FOX 17: City of Holland to gain 52 mixed-income affordable housing units

In December, Action House broke ground on their affordable housing project with Dwelling Place. This long-awaited project will add 52 new affordable rental homes in our community—creating urgently needed housing for families seeking stability. 

Learn More
Read More
 

WHTC's Talk of the Town with Gary Stevens

Last month, Jessica Pressley and Renee Rivard went on WHTC to share about Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day and provide an update on our affordable housing project with Dwelling Place.

Tune In!

The Holland Sentinel: How to support Holland nonprofits

In November, the Holland Sentinel shared a piece encouraging our community to lean into the season of giving by supporting and volunteering at local nonprofits.

Learn more

Join The Movement

Donate Monthly

Provide a stable foundation for our service each month.

Sponsor

Sponsor VolBASH to build a stronger, healthier community

Donate to Resale

Donate gently used items to the Resale Store and get $5 off your next purchase.

,

December eNews

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Program Updates

Food Club

Two years ago, Aaron* became a Food Club member. Retired and living on a fixed income, he saw his budget grow tighter as grocery prices soared. He turned to Food Club to access the fresh, healthy food he needed to thrive.

Since becoming a member, Aaron has found joy and confidence in cooking. With access to fresh produce that used to be out of reach, he’s explored new vegetables and healthier meals. Today, he’s cooking more often, feeling better, and proudly shared that his blood pressure has gone down—something he hadn’t thought possible just a few years ago.

Aaron hopes to one day no longer count on Food Club,  but for now, he’s grateful to have it as a steady safety net, sharing “If there’s a month where something unexpected throws off my budget, I know I can turn to Food Club.”

*Name and photo changed for privacy

Outreach & Housing Access

Earlier this year, Anna* and her children were living out of their car. After an unexpected cut in work hours and no financial safety net, they lost their housing. Despite the challenge, Anna continued to work, care for her children, and hold on to hope for a brighter future.

When she connected with our team, we began helping her gather paperwork and partnered with Good Samaritan to identify housing leads. Together, we helped her apply for the Housing Choice Voucher program—a vital resource for families experiencing homelessness.

This fall, Anna received incredible news: her family was selected to receive a Housing Choice Voucher—one of only 14 awarded in Ottawa County. After receiving the voucher, Anna began reaching out directly to private landlords, submitting applications, and doing it all while still working and parenting.

Her determination paid off. A landlord accepted her application and voucher, and Anna’s family finally moved into a safe, stable home! To help them settle in, our team provided a Food Club membership, a Resale Store voucher, a referral to Community Mental Health, and a connection to a local church offering hygiene and cleaning supplies. It takes a community working together to ensure families have access to the resources they need to build a brighter future. We’re deeply grateful for all of the agencies and community members who are committed to strengthening how we show up for families like Anna’s, together.

*Name and photo changed for privacy 

Community Kitchen

When Greg* first walked through our doors, he was carrying the weight of uncertainty. He had just lost his job, then his housing, and was trying to meet his most basic needs without a safety net. Like many of our neighbors, Greg came to the Community Kitchen looking for a hot meal.

Over time, he began building relationships with our team—connections rooted in kindness, trust, and a shared belief that a brighter future is possible. When Greg asked our team for support, we completed the steps to verify his homelessness. This verification is often required before someone can apply for housing programs or vouchers. We continued to gather the documents Greg needed to apply for housing and connected him with Good Samaritan for support in his search.

After months of applying, Greg had a next-day appointment with a housing provider. He knew our team would be at the Community Kitchen, and when he stopped by to share the exciting news, we helped him print and walk through everything he needed to be ready. 

Despite Greg’s hard work preparing for the appointment, he’s still looking for an apartment. The process of finding housing often looks like this—a step forward, then a new challenge. As Greg continues to look for housing, he knows he can turn to our team, finding encouragement and expertise so he doesn’t have to navigate a complex system alone.

*Name and photo changed for privacy

Financial Wellness

Earlier this year, Jane* came to Community Action House with just seven days away from eviction.  As the primary provider for her family, an unexpected job loss had made it impossible to keep up with rent. More than anything, Jane wanted to keep her children safe and housed. She connected with our Financial Wellness team, who immediately jumped in to support—reaching out to her housing provider to explain her circumstances, updating paperwork, and exploring every available support option. 

Through our connection, a generous church partner offered to provide funding that helped Jane cover two months of missed rent—bringing her current with her housing provider and preventing eviction. This financial cushion gave her the stability she needed to pause, catch her breath, and begin taking steps toward a stronger financial future.

For Jane and her family, a challenge that could have quickly become a crisis instead became a turning point—thanks to a wave of collaboration. This outcome reflects the power of trusted relationships: with community partners, understanding landlords, and most importantly, the neighbors we serve. It’s through these relationships that progress becomes possible, and neighbors get the support they need to build a brighter future.

*Name and photo changed for privacy

Lakeshore Food Rescue

When SNAP benefits were suddenly paused, we knew the impact would be immediate for many of our neighbors. Thanks to strong partnerships through Lakeshore Food Rescue, we were able to act quickly—scaling up fresh food purchasing and securing six pallets of corn and five pallets of tomatoes at low cost, just as more families were walking through our doors. This kind of response isn’t possible in every community. It’s the result of years of intentional collaboration alongside dedicated partners and volunteers to ensure our community can respond swiftly and effectively in times of increased need. 

During the SNAP pause, our community showed up—powering more than 40 food drives, increasing volunteerism by 70%, and making generous financial contributions. Your support strengthened our response and together we kept our Food Club shelves stocked with fresh, healthy food during a time of challenge and uncertainty. In moments of rising need, we are so grateful for our dedicated team and a community that consistently shows up—ready to step in and support our neighbors who need it most.

Program Highlight

Breaking ground on our affordable housing project!

Last week we broke ground on our affordable housing project with Dwelling Place! This long-awaited project will add 52 new affordable rental homes in our community—creating urgently needed housing for families seeking stability. 

At last week’s groundbreaking, we gathered with neighbors, city leaders, and longtime supporters at one of the project sites: our former food pantry on 14th Street. This site, where so much of our work took root, will now carry forward its legacy in a new way, providing families with safe, stable housing and a foundation for future progress.

We’re incredibly grateful to all of our partners, donors, volunteers, and supporters who are making this project possible! Together, we’re creating solutions that allow everyone to provide a strong foundation for their family, and have a safe place to call home. 

Community philanthropy is playing a big part in making this housing a reality. Out of our $1.2M goal, nearly $1M has already been committed. If you or someone you know would be interested in helping close the remaining gap, we’d love to connect. All one-time investments in this campaign will help provide high-quality, affordable housing for families for the next 45+ years. Learn more and get in touch here.

Save the Date

December 21st is Homeless Persons' Memorial Day

December 21st is National Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day, the first day of winter and the longest night of the year. Across the country, communities will pause to remember those who died while experiencing homelessness in the last year. 

In honor of this day, Community Action House will be co-hosting an outdoor memorial from 5:00-6:00pm on Sunday, December 21st at First United Methodist Church (57 W 10th Street), in partnership with the Lakeshore Housing Alliance. All are invited to join us for a short program beginning at 5:15, followed by time for candle lighting and reflection.

Join us for our Golf Classic! 

Our Golf Classic is back on June 11, 2026 at Ravines Golf Club! 

The Golf Classic brings together business leaders, community partners, and supporters for a day of friendly competition and celebrating impact. To make it easier for everyone to join, we’re offering two tee times: a morning session and an afternoon session. 

Put together a team of four, or join us as a sponsor to support Community Action House programs that nourish, equip, and empower our neighbors!

Learn More & Secure Your Spot!

Nominate Community Action House for Holland’s Community Choice Awards by December 22!

Holland’s Community Choice Awards are back! 

Completely driven by public participation, the Community Choice Awards celebrate the best local businesses and nonprofits. Starting with the nomination round, neighbors like YOU can nominate your favorite businesses and organizations in more than 140 categories. In February, voting begins to determine finalists and winners.

Your voice matters! Nominate Community Action House for the Best Non-Profit, and nominate the Community Action House Resale Store for the Best Thrift Store.

Nominate Community Action House Here!

In Case You Missed It

SNAP is Back!

As our community navigated the SNAP pause, one thing became clear: our community shows up. Through our community’s generosity, we could be a source of support for our neighbors.

Talk of The Town

Last month, Senior Manager of Housing Access Jessica Pressley and Director of Food Access Programs Chara Bouma-Prediger joined WHTC to share about Homelessness Awareness Month.

Tune In!
Read More
 

FOX 17: City of Holland to gain 52 mixed-income affordable housing units

In December, Action House broke ground on their affordable housing project with Dwelling Place. This long-awaited project will add 52 new affordable rental homes in our community—creating urgently needed housing for families seeking stability. 

Learn more

Walking Alongside Our Neighbors This Homelessness Awareness Month

Last month was Homelessness Awareness Month. Throughout the month, we shared the stories of our neighbors, and how their unique challenges, circumstances, and dreams for the future shaped their path to stability. 

Learn more

Join The Movement

Donate Monthly

Provide a stable foundation for our service each month.

Volunteer

Volunteer your time and talent to build a stronger community. 

Donate to Resale

Donate gently used items to the Resale Store and get $5 off your next purchase.

FOX 17: City of Holland to gain 52 mixed-income affordable housing units

FOX 17: City of Holland to gain 52 mixed-income affordable housing unitsFOX 17: City of Holland to gain 52 mixed-income affordable housing units

On December 5th, Community Action House and partners broke ground on 52 new affordable and mixed-income housing units in Holland! The effort reflects deep community collaboration, with key support from Dwelling Place, Hope Church, the City of Holland, and the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians.

Watch the full segment on FOX 17 here.

The Holland Sentinel: How to support Holland area nonprofits and organizations this holiday season

In November, our friends at the Holland Sentinel shared a piece encouraging our community to lean into the season of giving by supporting and volunteering at local nonprofits.

They shared a list of local organizations to consider supporting, including Community Action House. We’re so grateful for this shoutout and to the Holland Sentinel for highlighting our work that ensures families have the healthy food, resource connection, and financial empowerment they need to thrive! Learn more and read their full list here.

Big News: We’re Breaking Ground on our Affordable Housing Project with Dwelling Place!

Dear friends,

Next week, we’ll celebrate a major milestone: we’re breaking ground on our affordable housing project with Dwelling Place! 

This effort, years in the making, is a big step forward for our guests, our team, and our community. Safe, affordable housing is out of reach for far too many families. Rising costs and limited availability forces families to make impossible decisions between essentials like food, safe housing, and more. Together, we’re creating solutions that allow all of our neighbors to build a strong foundation for their family. 

In partnership with Dwelling Place, the City of Holland, Hope Church, and others, this development will add 52 units of urgently needed affordable rental housing. This project is the result of deep collaboration—and a collective belief, from our team, our partners, and our neighbors, that everyone deserves a safe place to call home.

One of the project sites is especially meaningful for our team and our community: our former food pantry on 14th Street. For over 30 years, this is where Action House met families with warmth, met urgent needs through food and clothing distribution, and served so many families during the peak of COVID-19. Now, we’re honored that this same site will carry forward its legacy in a new way, providing families with safe, stable housing and a foundation for progress.

When our neighbors have a place to call home, it creates the space and stability needed to plan, to hope, and to build toward a brighter future:

  • Robert found stable housing, then was able to work with our team to file taxes and build a stronger financial foundation.

  • Allison secured a safe home, and was able to show up at her best for her new job.

  • Kelly found housing, then worked with our team to access healthy food, budget, and save.

You’re invited! We’d love for you to join us for the groundbreaking on December 5th from 12:00-1:00pm at 345 W 14th Street, Holland. We’ll gather for a short program, time to connect, and a first look at what’s ahead for this neighborhood and the families who will soon call it home.

Everyone deserves good food, a safe home, and a community that believes in their worth, dignity, and potential. Together, we’re building a community where all of our neighbors can thrive. Thank you for joining us in this work. 

With gratitude,

Scott Rumpsa | CEO

P.S. - Community philanthropy is playing a big part in making this housing a reality. Out of a $1.2M goal, nearly $1M has already been committed. If you or someone you know would be interested in helping close the remaining gap, let us know! All one-time investments in this campaign play a critical role in providing high-quality, affordable housing for families over the next 45+ years? Learn more and get in touch here.

SNAP is back! Our community showed up, and we’re so grateful.

Dear friends,

Earlier this week, the federal government voted to end the shutdown and restore SNAP benefits for families through next September. This is worth celebrating—especially during the holidays, when no neighbor should have to wonder if they’ll have healthy food on the table.

In these last few weeks of uncertainty, one thing became absolutely clear: our community shows up. When the SNAP pause was announced, neighbors immediately stepped into action—dropping off food, giving generously, filling volunteer shifts, and reaching out with care for families who suddenly faced a frightening gap. 

Our community’s generosity meant that we could be a source of steady support, expanding in the ways families needed us most:

  • Growing our food capacity: expanding food orders, increasing cooler space with our partners at Kid’s Food Basket, and keeping our shelves stocked with generous donations and dozens of food drives from so many generous community members.

  • Growing our people power: new and regular volunteers stepping into extra shifts to keep Food Club running smoothly (31% growth in volunteerism!), and expanded staffing to make sure we were ready to serve all who turned to us. 

  • Growing our service: From November 1 through the reopening vote on the 12th, Food Club welcomed 2,546 family shopping visits in just 10 days of service - hundreds more than we normally would. Current and former guests called on us in this season, and nearly 100 new families turned to our Food Club for the first time. This was two consecutive weeks of significant service growth, with more food getting to more people—including an 87% increase in the amount of fresh vegetables going home with our guests. 

We were built for times like these, powered by a community that believes a stronger future is possible when we all show up together. We are so grateful for your trust—and the ways you lean in when we, and our neighbors, most need it. Thank you. 

We’re deeply grateful SNAP benefits have resumed, relieving what could have grown into an overwhelming level of need. Because of the way SNAP benefits are issued, we knew that every day of delay meant need would ratchet up even further—as more families reached their monthly reload date and found their benefits missing.

SNAP is back, and we’re celebrating! But, we also know that our work isn’t over. Many neighbors who count on SNAP are feeling uncertain and discouraged, and anxiety about the precarity of vital programs is very real. And even without the SNAP crisis, November and December are often our busiest times of the year, as the holiday season stretches already thin family budgets even further. Even before the SNAP pause, we were preparing to serve 1,800 families with extra Thanksgiving groceries—and now, after weeks of added stress and uncertainty, we know this extra support will mean the world to so many.

During times of crisis, what can matter most is knowing that you’re not alone. This Thanksgiving is a perfect opportunity to continue showing up for families who need us—with moments of celebration, extra support, healthy holiday food (and turkeys!), and a reminder that their community is with them. 

When people turn to us, we are there—as an expression of our community’s compassion. Thank you for powering this work, and for believing in the worth, dignity, and value of each of our neighbors. 

Gratefully,

Scott Rumpsa | CEO

P.S. - For over 50 years, Community Action House has been there for families in the make-or-break moments. Your continued support means that through seasons of change, we remain a steady presence. This season, every $40 can provide healthy Thanksgiving groceries for a family in our community.

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November eNews

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Dear friends,

November is Homelessness Awareness Month. 

Often when we think about homelessness, we focus on what we can see - what happens after someone loses their home. But behind every visible struggle are months or years of quiet challenges: rising costs, lost income, or shrinking support that slowly push families toward crisis.

Homelessness doesn’t happen in an instant. 

When affordable housing is out of reach, even small setbacks - an illness, a reduced paycheck, an unexpected bill - can push families past the breaking point. One hard month can quickly turn into a crisis.

This month, as Michigan families face continued challenges and uncertainty with November SNAP benefits, that reality is hitting home for thousands of our neighbors. When a family loses access to food support, their risk of homelessness increases. Hunger and housing are deeply connected - because every dollar needed for food is a dollar not available for rent, utilities, or transportation to work. When families can’t afford both, they often lose more than just meals.

Our team works to keep families in their homes, and get families into homes. Through Food Club, Financial Wellness, and Resource Navigation, we ease pressure on family budgets and strengthen stability before a crisis hits. And when someone has already lost housing, our Outreach & Housing Access team walks alongside them - offering critical assistance, guidance, and connection to housing.

There’s no single story of homelessness, and no single solution. No one organization can solve homelessness on its own. Our housing system is made up of many incredible partners, each tackling a different piece of the puzzle. We’re deeply grateful for all of the agencies and community members who are committed to this work, and to strengthening how we all show up, together. 

So far this year, we’ve already walked alongside 88 families – 111 neighbors – who moved from homelessness to safe housing, and helped 25 families avoid foreclosure. Each story looks different - because every person’s path to stability is unique. This month, we’re sharing a few of those stories. The more we understand the challenges each neighbor faced, and the ways our team and partners worked alongside them, the more fully we can celebrate what it truly takes to move from crisis to stability - and the collective effort behind every story of hope. 

We’re celebrating neighbors like:

  • Robert,* who lived outdoors while working until finding housing with our team’s support.

  • Allison,* who secured a job and continued working each day while unhoused, until a breakthrough moment alongside our team led her to a safe apartment.

  • Amanda,* whose family avoided eviction through financial counseling and support.

Our community can be a place where every person has what they need to move through moments of challenge with dignity - where losing housing doesn’t mean losing hope, and where neighbors help neighbors find stability, belonging, and a place to call home. That vision depends on all of us: showing up, giving generously, and extending care to one another, especially during moments of crisis.

  • Volunteer: Serve a meal at the Community Kitchen, lend a hand at Refresh, or fill a pressing need at Food Club as we help families build and maintain stability.

  • Donate: Gifts of every size power our work. Every $85 can cover our monthly costs of serving one more family at Food Club. Looking for a consistent way to support? Join our Community Table: the circle of monthly donors whose steady support keeps us flexible and responsive.

  • Share: Follow along and share the stories we’re highlighting this month - awareness and understanding are powerful forms of action, too.

Everyone deserves a safe home, good food, and the opportunity to build a strong foundation for their family. And everyone needs a community that believes in them - their worth, their dignity, and their potential. Thank you for working alongside us to build a community where this vision becomes a reality.

Sincerely,

Scott Rumpsa | CEO

Program Updates

Food Club

Last month we celebrated the fourth anniversary of our Food Club & Opportunity Hub - a place where thousands of neighbors have found the healthy food, resource connection, and financial empowerment they need to build a brighter future. This milestone is only possible because four years ago, neighbors like you said “yes” to powering this work.

To celebrate, last month we hosted CommunityFest - our annual week-long celebration for Food Club members, filled with fun, gratitude, and connection. Sponsored by Corewell Health, the event featured fun for all ages: pumpkin painting, games, a family photo booth, and time to reflect and celebrate. 

This year’s celebration came at a time of growing need in our community. Recent uncertainty with SNAP benefits is leaving families with only a portion of their typical food assistance for November. Thousands of local neighbors will still need support this month. In response, we are preparing to double our service this month alone – serving up to 500 families a day, six days a week at Food Club. We’re so grateful for the generosity of neighbors like you, who have powered our work for the past four years, and are making it possible for us to provide extra support to families who are impacted by the SNAP pause.

Outreach & Housing Access

Earlier this year, our Outreach team met Thomas* while he was living outdoors. The lack of available and affordable housing in our community meant that even with income, he couldn’t find a place to call home. Thomas began visiting the Community Kitchen and Refresh, where he found nourishing meals, hygiene services, and through our support, connected with our partners at Community Mental Health. 

As Thomas began working with Community Mental Health, he received a housing voucher through their program - opening up more opportunities to secure safe, stable housing. After working through applications with our team, Thomas applied for an apartment and was approved! On move-in day, furniture, dishes, and other essentials from our Resale Store were delivered, transforming Thomas’s new apartment into a warm, welcoming home, and a foundation for future progress.

Now equipped with a Food Club voucher to access the fresh, healthy food he needs to thrive, and connections made with our Financial Wellness team, Thomas is moving forward with hope and momentum.

*Name and photo changed for privacy

Financial Wellness

As the cost of living rises, more neighbors are feeling the effects of stretched budgets and shifting support systems. This year, our Financial Wellness team has seen more families in our community seeking out financial counseling - including Noah*, who reached out after an unexpected crisis left him at risk of foreclosure.

Determined to keep his family in their home, Noah partnered with our team to understand his options and chart a path forward. Together, Noah and our team navigated months of paperwork and unexpected roadblocks. In the end, Noah was able to refinance his mortgage - saving his home and giving his family the foundation of stability they needed to move forward.

Keeping someone in their home costs less than regaining housing after homelessness. Our programs help interrupt the pipeline into homelessness by lowering costs, building skills, and offering support that helps people stay stable. Our Financial Wellness team is here to help. The sooner a neighbor reaches out, the more options we have to help them protect their home and financial future.

*Name and photo changed for privacy

Lakeshore Food Rescue

When truck drivers face rejected freight or overloaded hauls, that perfectly good food often goes to waste. Recently, a neighbor employed at a local truck stop noticed this, and connected with Lakeshore Food Rescue – looking for a way to make sure that this extra food didn’t go to waste!

Now, when a truck rolls onto the scale and is over the weight limit, the team at the truck stop knows they can give us a call. Thanks to this partnership, we can rescue fresh, high-quality food straight from trucks and redistribute it to our Food Club, Community Kitchen, and other local partners across Ottawa County. We’re so grateful for neighbors like this who speak up, step in, and help turn excess food into food access!

Community Kitchen

At Community Action House, we believe that meals are an expression of care and connection. The Community Kitchen serves hundreds of hot meals every week, but our Kitchen team’s impact goes even further. 

Over the past year, the Community Kitchen team has stepped up to help make our special events like The Reunion and Farm-to-Food Club even more meaningful. Whether they’re preparing farm-fresh dinners or unique appetizers, our Kitchen team brings skill, care, and joy to every meal.

When event guests enjoy a meal from our Kitchen team, they get a taste of the same care and hospitality served every day at the Community Kitchen. The Kitchen team’s work behind the scenes helps turn each event into a celebration of community - where good food becomes a bridge to deeper connection and belonging.

Program Highlight

Nourishing Healthcare Partnerships

Last fall, we launched our Nourishing Healthcare Partnerships program, designed to improve the health and wellbeing of our neighbors by increasing access to fresh, healthy food. Through this initiative, we partner with healthcare providers - like Holland Free Health Clinic - to offer Food Club vouchers to neighbors facing both chronic health conditions and food insecurity. 

The early results are encouraging: 66% of participants reported eating more fruits and vegetables, and 83% of participants shared that they now manage their health conditions more effectively. This program is designed not just to provide food, but to empower neighbors with the nutrition and tools they need to thrive. We're excited to continue growing this program and deepening our partnerships in the healthcare space to support even more neighbors in building a stronger, healthier future!

Save the Date

Giving Tuesday is December 2!

Giving Tuesday is coming up soon - a global day of generosity that fuels local impact. As rising costs and shrinking supports leave more families struggling to afford basic needs, your support helps Community Action House show up with compassion, connection, and practical support when it matters most. Together, we can make this our most impactful Giving Tuesday yet. Mark your calendars, or make your early gift today to help us kick it off strong!

Donate Early!

In Case You Missed It

Celebrating Compassion in Action

Last year, 2,800+ individuals powered our service, turning their Compassion into Action to build a stronger, healthier community.

Talk of The Town

Last month, CEO Scott Rumpsa appeared on WHTC to talk about the fourth anniversary of our Food Club & Opportunity Hub and share about Food Club’s impact.

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FOX 17: Holland nonprofit prepares for surge in need as Michigan pauses November SNAP benefits

The uncertainty of SNAP benefits will impact more than 30,000 neighbors in Ottawa and Allegan counties. Support our neighbors by donating, volunteering, hosting a food drive, and advocating for SNAP and similar programs.

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Michigan Health Endowment Fund: Food Clubs Adapt and Expand to Meet Community Needs

In October, our partners at the Michigan Health Endowment Fund shared an article highlighting how Michigan’s food clubs are evolving beyond food distribution to offer dignified access, food rescue, and social‑service integration.

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WOOD TV: Food Club celebrates four years of service

Last month marked the fourth anniversary of Food Club! Since opening, Food Club has provided over 5 million meals-worth of groceries to over 7,036 families.

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MDARD Awards Community Action House Farm to Family Grant

This year, MDARD awarded Community Action House funding to expand our community’s access to locally sourced produce and eggs at our Food Club & Opportunity Hub! 

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From Crisis to Stability: Walking Alongside Our Neighbors This Homelessness Awareness Month

From Crisis to Stability: Walking Alongside Our Neighbors This Homelessness Awareness Month

November is Homelessness Awareness Month -  a time to reflect on the challenges our neighbors face and the many paths into and out of homelessness. At Community Action House, we’re walking alongside neighbors like Robert*, Allison*, and Amanda*, whose stories remind us that every neighbor’s journey is shaped by different challenges, circumstances, and dreams for the future.

As housing costs rise and affordable options remain scarce in our community, more of our neighbors are left with no choice but to live outdoors. It’s not a matter of preference - it’s a matter of limited options.

At Community Action House, our team is working on both fronts: meeting urgent needs with compassion and tackling the root causes of housing instability through long-term, collaborative solutions. So far this year, we’ve already walked alongside 88 families – 111 neighbors – who moved from homelessness to safe housing, and helped 25 families avoid foreclosure. Each story looks different -  because every person’s path to stability is unique. This month, we’re sharing a few of those stories:

Robert’s Story

When our Outreach team first met Robert,* he was living outdoors, facing what felt like an impossible list of barriers. Robert began visiting the Community Kitchen and Refresh, where he found nourishing meals, hygiene services, and support from our team on next steps. With determination, he overcame several hurdles and obtained critical documents, then connected with our friends at West Michigan Works!, and secured employment!

Even with a steady job, Robert still couldn’t find a place to call home. He worked closely with a recovery coach, submitted housing applications, and persisted despite processing delays and long waitlists. Months later, he received a housing voucher - only to have the program shut down, forcing him to start his search all over again.

Robert continued going to work each day for months, and would end his day without a safe place to return to. After another round of applications, he was denied housing because his income was too high to qualify, even though he was still living outdoors. This is the reality many of our neighbors face: they’re working hard, doing everything they can to move forward, yet safe, affordable housing remains out of reach. In the United States, over 40% of individuals experiencing homelessness are employed (Meyer et al., 2021).

Through every setback, Robert had faith that a home was soon within reach, and with continued encouragement from his community, found new momentum and connected with our partners at Good Samaritan. They provided additional support on his housing search, and earlier this year, Robert moved into safe, stable housing!

Now thriving in his new home, Robert has become a Food Club member with access to fresh, healthy food, and earlier this year he worked with our VITA team to file his taxes - one more step toward a stronger financial future. Robert’s determination over the years opened the door to a brighter future, and with a community walking beside him in compassion and collaboration, he's moving forward with hope.

*Name and photo changed for privacy

Allison’s Story

Earlier this year, a sudden crisis left Allison* without a safe, stable place to call home. As a Food Club Member, she knew she could turn to our team for support. She quickly began working with our Resource Navigation team to secure the documents she needed to pursue housing and employment. We walked alongside her as she filled out job applications, and provided a voucher to our Resale Store, ensuring she had the clothes she needed for interviews. Soon after, Allison shared excitedly with our team that she had found a job! 

Despite being employed, Allison continued to live without stable housing. She began working with our partners over at Good Samaritan to submit housing applications, but was denied due to an outstanding utility bill from a previous residence. To continue moving forward, our team helped Allison appeal the decision by submitting a receipt of the payment, along with letters of recommendation. With this additional support, Allison’s application was accepted and she moved into her apartment! 

Now with safe, stable housing Allison has continued as a Food Club member, ensuring she has access to the fresh, healthy food she needs to thrive! With her basic needs met, she’s able to show up for her new job with focus and confidence, and she’s continued partnering with our Financial Wellness team to create a budget, strengthen her savings, and plan confidently for the road ahead. With a safe place to call home and a community of support in place, Allison is moving forward with hope and momentum.

*Name and photo changed for privacy

Amanda’s Story

Financial Wellness Specialist, Tabitha

Amanda* met Financial Wellness Specialist, Tabitha, during a crisis. She had fallen behind on her mortgage, and her family’s home was scheduled for auction. While they couldn’t stop the sale, Tabitha encouraged Amanda to take advantage of the foreclosure redemption period - an option many homeowners don’t realize they have when facing foreclosure.

In Michigan, if your home is sold at an auction, you have a six-month redemption period to take action. During this time, you can either buy back your home by paying the amount owed on the mortgage, or sell it at fair market value. If you sell the home during this period, you keep the profits after settling the outstanding mortgage balance. Without Tabitha’s expertise, Amanda wouldn’t have known this was an option and would have soon faced eviction. But with Tabitha’s guidance, Amanda sold the home and used the equity from the sale to purchase a new home with only a small loan - giving her family a stable foundation where further progress is possible.

At Community Action House, our Financial Wellness team is here to help - equipped with the expertise and compassion to guide families toward real solutions. The sooner a neighbor reaches out, the more options we have to protect their home and financial future. Early intervention is better for families facing foreclosure – and it’s better for our community. Preventing homelessness is far more effective, affordable, and dignified than responding after crisis hits. No one should have to navigate these challenges alone, and with the right support and financial education, a path forward is always possible.

*Name changed for privacy

References


Meyer, B., Wyse, A., Grunwaldt, A., Medalia, C., Wu, D. (2021). Learning About Homelessness Using Linked Survey and Administrative Data. The University of Chicago Becker Friedman Institute for Economics. https://bfi.uchicago.edu/insight/research-summary/learning-about-homelessness-using-linked-survey-and-administrative-data/

FOX 17: Ottawa County nonprofits brace for surge in demand as SNAP benefits paused

FOX 17: Ottawa County nonprofits brace for surge in demand as SNAP benefits paused

On October 29, Director of Food Access Programs Chara Bouma-Prediger spoke with FOX 17 about the expected surge in local need as Michigan pauses November SNAP benefits. To help meet this growing demand, Community Action House has added more than 30 extra volunteer shifts each week, anticipating a possible doubling in the number of neighbors seeking support.

In the interview, Chara emphasized that while nonprofits play a vital role, they can’t match the scale of federal programs. She encouraged community members to get involved to help meet the rising need.

Watch the full interview on FOX 17 here.

SNAP is Paused. You can Take Action.

Dear friends,

Earlier this week, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services announced that due to the ongoing federal government funding lapse, November SNAP benefits will not be issued to Michigan families. 

This is incredibly challenging news to hear. It will affect about 1.4 million people across our state - nearly 1 in 7 households. 78% of these households earn a regular income - it's just not enough to cover their family's essential needs. Here in Ottawa and Allegan Counties, that’s close to 30,000 of our neighbors who count on SNAP each month to put food on the table. 

For neighbors working hard but still living paycheck to paycheck, even a brief disruption in benefits can mean an empty fridge, skipped meals, or a choice between paying rent and buying groceries. For children, seniors, and people with disabilities - who make up a large share of SNAP recipients - this pause will be especially devastating. It’s hard to imagine a worse entry into the holiday season for so many families in our community.

More families than ever will turn to us for support in November. 

Our team is preparing, putting plans in place to meet the many neighbors who will call on us for the first time – and provide extra support for many of our current Food Club members who are losing the SNAP benefits they count on. With those benefits cut off, they’ll have to stretch even further, and local nonprofits like ours will have to stretch with them. 

This community’s generosity has always been our strength - and we will need it again. Local compassion can’t fully replace the scale of federal programs families count on - but it can change the story for our neighbors, right now. The choices made on a national level matter, but so do the ones we make here at home: how communities like ours speak up, show up, and act together.

How You Can Help:

  • Give Generously. Even small gifts - $5, $10, or $20 - help keep healthy meals within reach for families working hard to keep healthy food on the table. Every $85 helps cover our monthly costs of serving one more family with the dignity they deserve.

  • Volunteer. As we get busier, we’ll need many more volunteers to sort, stock, and help guests. We’re already adding more November Food Club volunteer shifts - please sign up for a spot today!

  • Host a Food Drive. As need grows, our food purchasing costs will rise. Businesses, schools, and faith groups can help keep our shelves stocked & costs down by collecting essential items.

  • Advocate. Call your elected representatives. Tell them that programs like SNAP are not optional - they are lifelines that keep our communities healthy and stable. We need SNAP - there is no charitable substitute for the scale and impact of this critical program. Read more about how we’re raising awareness in the Holland Sentinel and with Fox17 news.

We were built for moments like these, powered by people like you - compassionate neighbors who believe a brighter future is possible when we all show up together. To advocate. To volunteer. To donate. We need your support to make sure families have the healthy food they need this holiday season and beyond.

Thank you for standing with us.

Gratefully,

Scott Rumpsa | CEO

Learn more at communityactionhouse.org/snap-pause

The Holland Sentinel: SNAP pause would be devastating for families

On October 27, CEO Scott Rumpsa shared an opinion piece in The Holland Sentinel, reflecting on the impact of the current freeze to SNAP benefits due to the government shutdown. For many families, this disruption will have immediate consequences, and it will bring added pressure to local nonprofits working to fill the gap.

In his piece, Scott shares why programs like SNAP matter, how our team is preparing for the surge in need, and how our community can step up to support neighbors. Read the full piece below or by visiting The Holland Sentinel here.

WOOD TV: Community Action House celebrates four years of service

WOOD TV: Community Action House celebrates four years of service

October 25th marked the fourth anniversary of our Food Club & Opportunity Hub! Since opening in 2021, Food Club has provided over 5 million meals-worth of groceries to over 7,036 families.

WOOD TV recently featured a story about our Food Club, highlighting how Community Action House is a community-founded, community-funded nonprofit - powered by local volunteers, supporters, and partners.

Read the full story on WOOD TV here.

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